Maybe you’ve seen Sonny Angel unboxing videos on TikTok or even have a small Mofusand collection of your own, but what do you do with these little toys? Blind boxes containing Smiski and surprise bags with Calico Critters are currently trending, and it’s no surprise (pun intended) why. These trinkets are so much fun to purchase, open, and collect, but with most collectibles, the question is, where do you put them? Do not worry; we have you covered! We’ve compiled four of the best ways to store and display your tchotchkes so they don’t take over your apartment in Toledo, OH or rental home in Santa Monica, CA.
1. Wood shelves
It might seem like a no-brainer, but shelves are a classic way to store and display collectibles for a reason. However, they don’t have to be boring! Consider opting for shelves with unique shapes for an added design element with various-sized slots for all of your different trinkets.
One of our favorite shelves comes from the female-led business Lovely Little House. Their wooden shelf display is shaped like a small house making it the perfect home for all of your trinkets. Owner Adi Ben Ze’ev had a similar one growing up where she loved to store her growing collection of miniatures she’d bought at the local pop shop. Although that exact shelf is no longer, Lovely Little House sells a similar Nordic-inspired shelf in four neutral colors – perfect for any space. Not only does this shelf have “eight compartments of varying sizes…ideal for showcasing minis like Calico Critters, LOL dolls, Sonny Angels, or Maileg mice,” but it also adds a “soft, whimsical touch while keeping your beloved collectibles beautifully organized and on display,” says Adi.
Another whimsical option is Ikea’s Lustigt wall shelf, a favorite for several Smiski and Sonny Angel collectors. This piece comes in a light wood finish, but is easily paintable to match any room or aesthetic. What makes this shelf unique are its three small ladders which add an interactive element for your small toys, just try not to spend too much time positioning and repositioning your figures to get the best shelf display design. If your collection is too big for one shelf or continues to grow, two of these pieces side-by-side look great as well.
photo courtesy of Lovely Little House
2. Acrylic display cases
If you only have a few or very special collectibles you’d like to not only showcase, but also protect, display cases are the perfect solution.
It’s currently American football season and a display case for your mini football helmet is the perfect addition to your Sunday watch party. Collectible Supplies offers several varieties whether you have one, two, or even four mini helmets. “The acrylic or glass cases protects your mini helmets from any dust or possible damage, allowing your collectibles to be enjoyed for years to come,” describes owner Jeff Peterson. These popular cases also “come in several different styles and wood finishes perfect for any room or aesthetic.”
Maybe you don’t have a mini football helmet, but rather a signed sneaker from a favorite athlete, or a prized action figure, or a completed LEGO set you’re extremely proud of. iDisplayit has acrylic displays perfect for whatever valued object you’d like to showcase. They use premium acrylic panels to protect your prized possession from dust and some displays even have “vinyl backgrounds…to add extra depth to your display,” notes marketing manager Gina Gould.
Another great acrylic display option is the Scobo Design’s sleek 5-tiered display case which, unlike the others, you can mount! Also made from high quality acrylic, this case also has UV-blocking acrylic and durable aluminum connectors which “offers excellent protection from dust and UV damage,” allowing you to love your treasured knick-knacks for longer, describes owner Scott Bowers.
photo courtesy of Scobo Design
3. Mounted wall displays
We understand being on a budget, for example maybe you just signed for a new home in Asheville, NC, so we also wanted to include a DIY option! Fugitive Ink Studio’s Aaron Uglum “figured out how to make an enclosed display case for about $10 using foam board and a poster frame.” He’s made four thus far and they fit all of his collectibles perfectly! After all, what’s so great about this display is that it’s so customizable.
If you’re a card collector, the Vaulted Collection offers the best display for prized baseball cards and rare Pokemon cards alike. Their display vault air card edition is made with high-quality, high-density foam and carbon finish fiber, this display combines both protection and style. It’s also super lightweight and mountable, making it the “ultimate solution for showcasing your prized card collection,” claims community support member Laura Guerrero.
Another open and mountable option is a classic – a wooden printers tray. Originally created to hold printing type, these trays are now a beloved way to store all kinds of little objects. They can be a little difficult to find, but try shopping second hand at a thrift store or online. You can either keep the tray as is in all its vintage glory or have another DIY moment and paint or decoupage the tray to better match your home’s aesthetic. If you’re not into collecting small treasures (yet), you can also find these pre-painted, pre-filled, and styled with valuables like seashells.
photo courtesy of Rita’s Seashell Art
4. Wood stands
Despite the size or shape of your item, Chidori Vintage owner Daniel Dittmar recommends the Japanese Kadai display method. Whether you’re displaying a doll or vase, these wooden tables or boards are perfect. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and “can be [in a] natural wooden shape or in the form of a table or small stand,” explains Daniel. Due to the range of options, you’re sure to find a table for whatever you want to display. Of course you can place the board anywhere, but we recommend styling on a large bookshelf or console table.
Styling tips
Speaking of styling, whatever display method you’ve chosen, you can’t forget about lighting. “When styling shelving, a library wall, or other accessory displays, adding accent lighting will instantly elevate the look,” says Iron Roots Design interior designer Celeste McGowan. She especially loves Seed IQ Lighting’s battery operated sconces which are dimmable, rechargeable, easy to install, and light temperature adjustable. Incorporating lighting like this is a great way to highlight (pun intended, once again) your shelf of Sonny Angels, acrylic display of Funko Pop Figures, or mounted card collection display.
